Q&A: Vince Reisel, Pioneer Press boys volleyball player of the year

Vince Reisel was at the center of Hersey’s offense as the setter for a team that made it to the state quarterfinals.

Vince Reisel was at the center of Hersey’s offense as the setter for a team that made it to the state quarterfinals. (Brian O'Mahoney/Pioneer Press)

Jon J. KerrPioneer Press

Hersey senior Vince Reisel knew from a young age he liked being in charge.

So when he chose to play volleyball, it made sense that he would be a setter. This spring, the 6-foot Reisel was the unquestioned leader of a Huskies team that made the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2005.

Reisel steered Hersey's offense by logging 1,021 assists en route to being named the Mid-Suburban East player of the year. Now, he's the Pioneer Press All-Area Boys Volleyball Player of the Year.

Reisel will attend Notre Dame in the fall. He plans to play club volleyball for the Irish and major in business analytics.

Q: Your Huskies team concluded the season in the state tournament. What was that experience like?

A: We played an amazing team (Glenbard West), the best team we played all season. But to be one of the final eight teams and the whole thrill of being there, it was an awesome experience.

Q: You finished the season with more than 1,000 assists. What does it take to excel at your position?

A: You have to have good hands, which is a weird thing to say outside of volleyball. What it means is having them be big and soft. When a ball is passed to us, there's a lot of spin on it. A setter's job is to take the spin out of the ball. The softness of your hands cushions the ball. I'm not sure how I do it. It just takes a lot of practice.

Q: Is there a personality trait necessary to play setter?

A: I first played the sport as a seventh-grader at South Middle School in Arlington Heights. I played club (Rolling Thunder and Edge volleyball clubs) and high school. I've been captain of every team. I've always seen myself as outgoing and a leader. I'm a very sociable and encouraging person. I'm always happy for other people.

Q: What's an activity outside of volleyball you are passionate about?

A: I'm part of a youth ministry group at my church, Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church in Arlington Heights. I'm very involved with projects, helping with fundraising and events for the church. I'm a counselor at a camp for kids. My faith is a big part of my life.

Q: You had a 5.45 GPA at Hersey, were involved in student council, part of the Scholastic Bowl team and manager for the girls volleyball team. Why is it important to be involved in so many activities?

A: There can be a jock label for athletes. What's cool about our volleyball team this year is so many of us were awarded high honors for our work in the classroom, and we have so many guys that are committed to our school. To go to state and be committed to our academics is really cool. We truly are student-athletes.

Q: You are one of three triplets, with a sister, Maggie, and brother, Johnny, who is autistic. Maggie was a setter for the Huskies girls volleyball team and the boys team manager. How much more special was this season, being able to share it with your two siblings?

A: Johnny is so supportive at home, so happy and proud of me. I'll tell you a story: The day of our state match was prom night. Maggie took pictures of her in her prom dress, full makeup, then changed clothes, came down (to Hoffman Estates) and managed our state match. After the match, we all showered, changed into our tuxes, Maggie back into her dress, and we drove right to prom. We were a little late, but it was fun.